Choosing between ISO 9001 (2015) & TL 9000 certifications

[QC Rookie]

Hello,

I work for a small telecommunications company that specializes in Structured Cable Distribution, Fiber Distribution and Splicing, Data and Voice, Pathways, Enclosures and Termination, Communications Device Install and Troubleshooting, Wireless Systems, and Engineering.

I've been tasked with implementing a new QMS (current one is bare bones), which we desire to become ISO 9001 2015 certified.

However, because I'm so new to this. I have been trying to learn on the fly and as I was researching ISO 9001, I stumbled upon TL 9000.

In short, should we pursue TL 9000 certification rather than ISO 9001 2015 (simply because it's specific to our industry)? Also if we become TL 9000 certified, would we then be recognized as ISO 9000 certified as well?

Any direction and insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AndyN]

I'd suggest that, since you (collectively) are new to the idea of a QMS, starting with ISO 9001 and once you have that under your belt, transition to TL is a good route. Be sure, when you select your ISO 9001 Certification Body, that they can also do TL-9000. If you are in the USA, experience shows that NQA is such a CB and are held in high regard by the Quest forum (who oversee the TL program)

 

[QC Rookie]

Thanks for the advice Andy. We are in Hawaii so will definitely check out NQA. Appreciate it.

 

[Yukon]

Hello,

I work for a small telecommunications company that specializes in Structured Cable Distribution, Fiber Distribution and Splicing, Data and Voice, Pathways, Enclosures and Termination, Communications Device Install and Troubleshooting, Wireless Systems, and Engineering.

I've been tasked with implementing a new QMS (current one is bare bones), which we desire to become ISO 9001 2015 certified.

However, because I'm so new to this. I have been trying to learn on the fly and as I was researching ISO 9001, I stumbled upon TL 9000.

In short, should we pursue TL 9000 certification rather than ISO 9001 2015 (simply because it's specific to our industry)? Also if we become TL 9000 certified, would we then be recognized as ISO 9000 certified as well?

Any direction and insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Avoid TL 900 at all costs unlesss your customer insists that you have. I audit TL forb major CB and it is a very difficult standard to implement. There are approx 96 additional,requirements that must be met and you will have to,provide monthly data to the University of Texas.

 

[Al Rosen]

Thanks for the advice Andy. We are in Hawaii so will definitely check out NQA. Appreciate it.

Listen to Andy. He's given you good advice.